Misbah puts new spin on pressure

One of the defining features of Misbah-ul-Haq's captaincy has been his attempts to bring in stability and keep out controversy from Pakistan cricket. His press conferences are an extension of that. Unlike other players who usually answer looking at the journalist who asked the question, Misbah prefers to stare straight ahead as he speaks. He stays away from big statements, and rarely betrays any expression.

One of the rare instances that he did was when a journalist brought up his batting against India in last year's World Cup semi-final, a source of much heartburn in Pakistan. "You are reminding me of that, and trying to put more pressure on me?" he asked with a big smile.

Pressure was an oft-repeated word during his press conference. During the World Cup, MS Dhoni had tried to defuse that buzzword, saying "we have changed the meaning of pressure to responsibility."

Misbah used a different tactic. "There is always pressure when India and Pakistan play each other, but it is also a good chance for the players to prove themselves," he said. "The way people remember performances in these matches, if you do well it is a great confidence booster, and gives great satisfaction."

Pakistan have also tried to keep media interactions to a bare minimum in order to ensure there are no unnecessary problems, even skipping the traditional pre-match presser before the game against Sri Lanka (they are not mandatory in the Asia Cup).

The previous time India and Pakistan faced each other, in Mohali, the hype and build-up was so huge that some wondered whether the World Cup final would be a sort of anti-climax. This time around, Bangladesh's rousing win over India, Sachin Tendulkar's 100th hundred and the tight schedule have all combined to prevent Sunday's match from becoming an all-consuming focus.

Pakistan's players have been asked about the India game in pretty much every press conference, and their views were summed up by Mohammad Hafeez. "This is just a game and we will take it as a game and we will try our level best to win the game, that's it."

Hafeez suggested a couple of times that the pressure will be less on Pakistan as they have already qualified, though technically they aren't through yet. A bonus point win for India, and a similar victory for Bangladesh over Sri Lanka will take things down to net run-rate.

What will help Pakistan though is the backing of the crowd. A full house is expected, and the locals will get right behind Pakistan as a win for them will boost the home side's chances of progressing. "We always enjoy playing in Bangladesh and the Bangladesh crowd has always supported us whenever we play against any other country."

The match has been built up as a clash between India's batting strength and Pakistan's bowling might. Hafeez was not too bothered by worries over Pakistan's batting. "It's a blessing for us that all of the players are in good form, like in the first game the openers did the job for Pakistan. Then, in the last game the way Umar Akmal and Misbah finished the game for us, that was a real positive sign that everybody's in good nick."

The only mildly controversial statement in the presser was when Hafeez repeated Mushfiqur Rahim's assertion about India's bowling. "I personally feel that their bowling attack is not in good form at the moment, so we are going to try and exploit that weakness and demoralise their attack."

After slipping up against Bangladesh, India's bowlers will do well to heed Misbah's words when asked about his Mohali batting. "I think as a player it is better to not think too much about your past performances, whether they led to a win or a loss, and it is better to focus on the matches to come; thinking about what happened previously will only increase the pressure."

Not looking good for India at the moment and Kholi nearly scored a knockout! With player like that who needs the opposition. Just like Mushfiqur Rahmi before him Misbah is once again highlighting the 2nd class bowing attack of India. I can't understand why it should be a controversial comment - it's a true fact which has been exposed over the last two matches. Perhaps India can blame Sachin again ... now that's a novel idea for giving respect to India's best ever player.

on March 18, 2012, 8:40 GMT

GO Sachin!!! Make a Hundred for Pakistan!

BTW Pakistan batting first is a real bad sign....playing to Indian strength

on March 18, 2012, 7:37 GMT

even an under strength indian team is way ahead than asian teams who are playing with their full strength...indian team has edge on pakistan in batting,fielding and bowling is not bad..but pakistani batsman don't rotate srike, are very poor in fielding and catching..only bowling is their forte ..tht too ..if indian batsman play agressively, then they would be cooked up..so it is advantage india

on March 18, 2012, 7:36 GMT

India will win the match because I am an INDIAN.

Test-is-the-best
on March 18, 2012, 7:19 GMT

All the best for PAKISTAN....lets get rid of most overrated team in the world

sl_supporter
on March 18, 2012, 6:41 GMT

Our beloved Pakistani brothers, just win today's match, should be walk in the park. Then we will give the match to Bangaladesh which will mean Pakistan vs Bangaladesh final.

Indian_55
on March 18, 2012, 6:38 GMT

India need to bring in Yusuf as he can very well discourage the Pakistani spinners...

csowmi7
on March 18, 2012, 6:27 GMT

difficult to say as India's bowling is worse than Pakistan's batting. But if India chase they should win as there will not be pressure on the weak bowling. India's batting vs Pakistan bowling should be interesting.

MichaelBurton
on March 18, 2012, 6:16 GMT

@Vishal Sipani, Its ridiculous. What's the use of winning the World Cup if can't win Asia Cup which is a far small achievement (according to you). Its no point of boasting about past achievements if the team is damn poor in the present form. Let the better team of the day win.

on March 18, 2012, 6:04 GMT

I wish Tendulkar to make century that leads towards winning for Pakistan. ;) ;)

BanglaBandhu
on March 18, 2012, 10:54 GMT

Not looking good for India at the moment and Kholi nearly scored a knockout! With player like that who needs the opposition. Just like Mushfiqur Rahmi before him Misbah is once again highlighting the 2nd class bowing attack of India. I can't understand why it should be a controversial comment - it's a true fact which has been exposed over the last two matches. Perhaps India can blame Sachin again ... now that's a novel idea for giving respect to India's best ever player.

on March 18, 2012, 8:40 GMT

GO Sachin!!! Make a Hundred for Pakistan!

BTW Pakistan batting first is a real bad sign....playing to Indian strength

on March 18, 2012, 7:37 GMT

even an under strength indian team is way ahead than asian teams who are playing with their full strength...indian team has edge on pakistan in batting,fielding and bowling is not bad..but pakistani batsman don't rotate srike, are very poor in fielding and catching..only bowling is their forte ..tht too ..if indian batsman play agressively, then they would be cooked up..so it is advantage india

on March 18, 2012, 7:36 GMT

India will win the match because I am an INDIAN.

Test-is-the-best
on March 18, 2012, 7:19 GMT

All the best for PAKISTAN....lets get rid of most overrated team in the world

sl_supporter
on March 18, 2012, 6:41 GMT

Our beloved Pakistani brothers, just win today's match, should be walk in the park. Then we will give the match to Bangaladesh which will mean Pakistan vs Bangaladesh final.

Indian_55
on March 18, 2012, 6:38 GMT

India need to bring in Yusuf as he can very well discourage the Pakistani spinners...

csowmi7
on March 18, 2012, 6:27 GMT

difficult to say as India's bowling is worse than Pakistan's batting. But if India chase they should win as there will not be pressure on the weak bowling. India's batting vs Pakistan bowling should be interesting.

MichaelBurton
on March 18, 2012, 6:16 GMT

@Vishal Sipani, Its ridiculous. What's the use of winning the World Cup if can't win Asia Cup which is a far small achievement (according to you). Its no point of boasting about past achievements if the team is damn poor in the present form. Let the better team of the day win.

on March 18, 2012, 6:04 GMT

I wish Tendulkar to make century that leads towards winning for Pakistan. ;) ;)

TopOrder_
on March 18, 2012, 5:58 GMT

come one Sachin, we need a 100 from you, so Pakistan can win!!!!

AccidentallyOnPurpose
on March 18, 2012, 5:46 GMT

Mahmud ul Hasan if India beat pakisan with a bonus point then they are in the final with 9 points however even if either srilanka or bangladesh win with bonus points they will still be tied at 9 points with pakistan and pakistan has beaten them both so it will qualify ahead of them.

abiindia
on March 18, 2012, 5:45 GMT

there is no real match winners in pak side. its sp foolish to talk about ind's strength. ind bowling weak, but it can not be as always the same, one dy may slips, but next day would be upside down. you need to wait until today's night to get humiliated.

Qainan
on March 18, 2012, 5:33 GMT

It all depends on how Pakistan batting goes whether they are batting first or second.

likeintcricket
on March 18, 2012, 5:33 GMT

Mathematically it is till possible that India and Bangladesh go through but all logic says otherwise. Even a bonus point win for India is not enough to bring Pakistan run rate down enough to give Bangladesh any hope. Winning against a quality team like Sri Lanka is itself and achievement for them. Pakistan is certainly more mature in batting and they can chase any target but if India has to chase something around 250+ it will not be a piece of cake for them against Pakistan bowling. Finally I wonder how Indian supporter are still making loud comments for their team who are a proven flop.A Home world cup under suspicious circumstances cannot make them world beaters. Pakistan has already achieved a lot and despite some hiccups I am personally very satisfied with this team. If they play to their potential India can be them 2 out of 2.

on March 18, 2012, 5:23 GMT

i am so happy for tendulkar, and kohli no century or not ur playing so well, every game, but india needs to play lot quicker, they are coming short 20-30 runs every game because of this. need a faster start, i think tendulkar will cut loose this game, now that century pressure if off him.

on March 18, 2012, 5:02 GMT

thanks for correcting me guys :D i guess well just have to win :) possibly with a bonus point again ;)

rafiawan
on March 18, 2012, 4:44 GMT

i wonder why people say that if Pakistan Loses with bonus point. Pakistan do not have club level bowling that they will lose with conceding bonus point. Even it is uphill task for India to win in so pressure conditions. Secondly, who say that Bangladesh can win with bonus point. Please look at ground realities. India's lost to Bangladesh was an upset and upsets do not happen everyday.

gr8asad84
on March 18, 2012, 4:43 GMT

@hamqad I total agree with you. Wicket keeping is a very tough job espacially against spinners and the spinners like saed Ajmal and Afridi. spinners will only be effective if their is a sound man behind the stumps otherwise batsman will come up and counter the variations. Also the bowler will cut down his variations if somebody behind the stumps is not picking them

Romenevans
on March 18, 2012, 4:31 GMT

LOL! Indian bowling God save them. Let's see how many overs this time Sachin will waste to fill his obsession for yet another useless record.

Vijay51982
on March 18, 2012, 4:16 GMT

@Jose Puliampatta - How can you that Pakistan is already enter final? The same way Ramiz Raja is also telling in every match. Anyway, for all the fans please be informing you that if India wins a bonus point today and Bangladesh also get there bonus point against Sri Lanka then Pakistan will be out of the tournament. Yes, it true. I will tell you that calculation. Firstly, if India wins Pakistan with bonus point today then they will be top of the table. Secondly, if Bangladesh win Sri Lanka with bonus point they will automatically sit in the second place. (Bangladesh will get all the statistics stating that how to win the match with steady Net Run Rate when they play the last match with Sri Lanka. Accordingly they will achieve those point to enter in final. Off course, they are the host nation, so the organizer want them to play the final match) So stop talking that Pakistan enter final...

on March 18, 2012, 4:15 GMT

I think pkaistan will win this game .honestly,indian bowling line up not up to international level.no single match winning bowler in their side.With Exceptional yorker from umar Gul, With Mystry doosra from Ajmal, With rare spinner like shahid Afridi,I think not easy to kohli,dhoni,raina,gambhir,to resist them. if india needs to put the pressure to pak batsman, i think desperately R. Ashwin has to fire. We did remember Ajantha Mendis become a hero with one night in 2008 Asia Cup Final against India. if aswin can repeat that kind of performance tonight,it would be an other rebirth of world class spinner.

Vijay51982
on March 18, 2012, 3:59 GMT

India should chase the target because if they achieve the target in 40 overs then India will get bonus and sit in the top of the table. In the final match, if Bangladesh get the same bonus point against Sri Lanka then very big problem for Pakistan. It means they will be out of the tournament. So India vs Bangladesh will be the final. I am sure India is looking to play one more Hobart game in Dhaka. All the best for the Men in Blue & Green.

on March 18, 2012, 3:57 GMT

as a sri lankan, i would say its interesting game to watch. but i think this game pakistan has edge.

on March 18, 2012, 3:08 GMT

good luck to both teams ... its always interesting to see these two teams on the ground... Njoy everybodddddddddyyyyyyyyy.....!!!!!!!!

hamqad
on March 18, 2012, 2:05 GMT

With three quality spinners in the side, it will be suicidal to go in without a specialist wicket-keeper, as the preview suggests Pakistan might be inclined to do (and our recent experience with Umar Akmal behind the stumps provides testament to that). It is extremely important to have a specialists keeper to keep against top spinners and genuine pacers. Though we lack bowlers who can generate serious pace, the presence of Ajmal and Afridi, who have subtle variations and can make the ball move in multiple directions, warrants a specialist keeper, even if at the expense of a genuine batsman.

I hope Dave Watmore will have a better sense of that than the rookie Mohsin Khan. One sensible, though some what brave, change, in my opinion, would be to make Younis sit out and bring Asad Shafiq in. Younis has looked completely out of sorts, and, based on present form, Asad Shafiq looks more likely of the two to make a meaningful contribution.

srisri
on March 18, 2012, 2:05 GMT

Pak bowling vs India batting... as juicy contest. Lets enjoy.

Zamana
on March 18, 2012, 2:01 GMT

Dannymania you obviously have no idea of what you are writing! It is highly offensive to try to demean a cricketing hero in such an immature and infantile manner. Misbah has served cricket extremely well. He has led Pakistan cricket admirably. He is not perfect but you must credit him with the resurgence and stability he has been instrumental in instituting. As for the extremely flawed medical jargon you have tried to impose! Let me inform you that your prescription of carbimazole is not for hypothyroidism but for hyperthyroidism. Of course the dose you offer is also wrong for whatever! Please at least know some basic facts. Hypothyroidism is associated with cretinism, which I suggest you should read up on as you may discover a remarkable association/affinity to it.Let us revel in the glorious match winning innings of Misbah against SL - Unlike the laborious match losing effort of you know who against BD! Pakistan Zindabad.

on March 18, 2012, 1:52 GMT

AOP Whats wrong with you? LossI would never wanna loss we play to win no matter what the opposition would be. besides Bangladesh have proven it. We narroaly excaped and India felt full forceof them. I say if bangladesh stays focus they be a team to beat.

on March 18, 2012, 1:35 GMT

Finally media focus is where it should be, on the match and not on a milestone. India-Pak matches are always great for the fans, it's a shame that they don't play very often.
May the best team win tomorrow (as an Indian, after winning the WC, Asia Cup is a far smaller achievement). Peace!

mukesh2147
on March 18, 2012, 1:31 GMT

its a good chance for kohli himself to prove himself a legend,if he give good innings today against good pak bowling attack then he definitely will be made legend.come on kohli prove yourself.

TeamSelector
on March 18, 2012, 1:12 GMT

I think whoever bats first will win this game.
If India bats first, then Pak will be unable to chase it down.
Conversely if Pak bats first, then they have the ability to defend even a small total.

on March 18, 2012, 1:10 GMT

I think the way Misbah is facing a press is rarely seen in past by Pakistani captains. This shows that Pakistan has a very good captain.Our players should also learn to face press like Misbah is doing.Our players should stay calm in the field irrespective of match situation.They should not forget that India is world champion and won Asia cup five times.They should put their 100% in the field.Cricket is uncertain game.Victory is not gurainted till the last bowl is delivered. Our pyaers for Pakistani team.We wish you good luck.

on March 18, 2012, 1:07 GMT

I think, Pak is already in the final. The other three may end up with one win each. Pak's bowling is far superior to India's. Gul is way ahead of our Indian pacers. Both Ajmal and Afridi are better spinners. Even Hafeez, on a good day, can match our best -- Ashwin. I mentioned this possibility of a three way tie to get the right to fight Pak in the final, in the first match itself. And re-iterated it,while Kohli & Sachin were batting in India's match against BD. India started with an advantage of 50 runs against SL. The minimum India has to do is NOT to deplete that too much, even if they lose to Pak today. So, whatever may be today's results, it should be tight. And would be interesting to watch.

on March 18, 2012, 1:03 GMT

My prediction : Pakistani batsmen will perform way better than expected. It'll all be upon how well paki bowlers bowl and Indian batters face them. I think 70/30 for pak. If india bats first and 10dulkar scores big then 50/50.

India would be under tremendous pressure playing against the best spin bowling attack in the world ... and there would be full crowd support to Pak team as well ... Indian legs are going to shiver today :-). With the Pak squad which played against the Sri Linka, Pak has a batting line-up till number 9. So no worries in the batting for Pak. With this club-level bowling attack, India can not defend even 350 ;-). Pakistan Zindabad.

Nadeem1976
on March 18, 2012, 0:18 GMT

this is pressure match and india made it more pressure match by losing against BD.
Now it's time to watch once again the arch rivals match. I think this rivalry is bigger than ashes.
ICC should promote these matches between two countries in neutral venues. Let's hope for a good game of cricket between two.
Sachin out of pressure can be match winning player this time. Let's see.
High hopes from Indian batting and high hopes from Pakistani bowling. Both teams are balanced enough to win this match. It's going to be cracker.

xylo
on March 17, 2012, 23:36 GMT

Ever since the World Cup semis, I have been waiting to see Saeed Ajmal against the Indian batsmen. That should be a very good contest.

BravoBravo
on March 17, 2012, 23:34 GMT

Even if IND wins, it does not matter. They will be miserable like always even if they reach the final. BD already put IND where they naturally belong. Stats does not lie, IND has worst win to loss ratio in every format of the game, and they are #7, and they will be there at least for another 60 yeasr. It is surprising IND can hardly score 300 runs against any opposition including ENG, AUS and now BD, shame on IND batsmen. What is more ironic that they tend to blame their own bowlers to hide their frivolous batting. And Tendulakr makes century or not, it does not matter, he is just a waste, who watches him. Good luck PAK and SL, let these miserable clowns (IND) out of this tournament as well and let them celebrate their insignificant records in privacy of their homes.

on March 17, 2012, 23:17 GMT

why india is playing irfan pathan or jadeja.cant understand.

6sir
on March 17, 2012, 23:15 GMT

This is just a match b/w two teams, let the better team on the day win. On paper b-desh looks weaker side but on friday they played better than india so they won and all credit to them

Smasher79
on March 17, 2012, 23:06 GMT

I am really unable to savvy Mr Sidharth that why you think "calling the current Indian bowling attack week was a controversial (even mildly) statement" Since the day India debuted in cricket world their bowling has never been more than just average. I have the same opinion for the Pak batting line up. However, they have at least the factor to surprise. They are unpredictable. Whereas Indian bowling has never been able exhibit any sort of X factor ever. If will always be down to the Pak batsmen that how sensibly they use their skills. I don't mean to undermine the Indians but a fact is a fact and must not be negated. If you are good than you are good. If you are bad then you are bad.

agent001
on March 17, 2012, 22:52 GMT

Tendulker has been blamed by the media for India's loss to BD. He will have a score to settle against Pakistan for his slow RR. India in a do or die situation and will put up a huge total batting first and Pakistan will falter chasing under pressure.
What will the Pak bowler achieve ? Should be good one.

on March 17, 2012, 22:50 GMT

@accidentallyonpurpose : unfortunately pakistan dont have that luxury as if india beat pakistan with bonus point, still pakistan has a chance to be getting out of the tournament

on March 17, 2012, 22:45 GMT

india come on. do it. jai hind

AccidentallyOnPurpose
on March 17, 2012, 22:04 GMT

Zia I get it now, just re-read the rules, the whole keeping the tournament wide open ploy was clouding my judgement, however being a Pakistani fan I would like to lose this and meet India in the final or else it would be boring, use this chance to experiment and maybe get zone players replaced or back in form

Capround
on March 17, 2012, 21:54 GMT

Zia, the scenario being talked about is that India beats Pakistan with a bonus point and Bangladesh beats Sri Lanka with a bonus point. In this case, Pakistan, India and Bangladesh will have the same number of points. Second, Pakistan will have beaten Bangladesh who will beaten Indian who will have beaten Pakistan. So the number of wins over each other among the tied teams would be the same. Therefore, one would have to resort to the net run rate to choose the finalists.

doctornikki
on March 17, 2012, 21:49 GMT

i dont it is controversial at all if hafeez says the indian bowling is a poor one..misbah is matchless in his composure and he will make the indians bite the dust again

@Dilabr786: You are the one requiring to get your facts right! If Ind and Ban both win with a bonus point, Pak will be tied on 9 points with Ind and Ban. Pak can technically still be out!

Happy_AusBang
on March 17, 2012, 21:39 GMT

I thought BD were not bowling the right balls to Raina. He is known to be vulnerable to the short delivery but Bangladesh did not give him enough of that as a result Raina made a good score. Pakistan, however, will not make that mistake I believe.

on March 17, 2012, 21:37 GMT

@nlambda: That's why we are worried. Good bowlers rarely trouble us, we choose the worst in every side to gift our wickets to. India has no good bowler so we have every reason to worry.

on March 17, 2012, 21:15 GMT

@Zia Rehman..you should found it weird because you are going in wrong direction...According to point 2..India Bangladesh Pakistan all will have equal points..How can Pakistan will be in final on account of their win over BD..Because same hold true for BD( win over india) and INdia( win over pakistan: assumption)

m3in_h00n_k0un
on March 17, 2012, 21:09 GMT

Correction on the PREVIEW article:
"Misbah-ul-Haq's calm presence is the reason for Pakistan's upswing, and they would not want to lose his services for a crucial game because of a slow over-rate. The Pakistan captain will be suspended for one game if his side makes another transgression in the next 12 months after the team fell two overs short of the target against Sri Lanka" .... Misbah and Co were short of 2 overs against Bangladesh, not SL. I think after India lost from Bangladesh write Kanishkaa Balachandran lost concentration while writing this preview too.

on March 17, 2012, 21:09 GMT

dannymania , english please ??

babayo
on March 17, 2012, 21:04 GMT

@ ZiaRehman in the scenario you mention Pak beat Bangla, Bangla beat India and India beat Pak (God forbid) then rule#2 does not apply. As Pakistan qualifies ahead of Bangladesh, India qualifies ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh qualifies ahead of India so you have to then move to rule#3

on March 17, 2012, 21:02 GMT

Siddarth Ravindran the writer of this article is a biased a.r.s.e... only pointing out negatives wont help indian's poor bowling attack.... n i agree misbah is the only responsible batsman in pakistani line up... hits the ball when its required and stops to contain the wicket!!! i remember michael bevan and rahul dravids innings too, he does the same thing the only problem is he dosnt get any support from his mates.....

on March 17, 2012, 21:01 GMT

This match will decide who will lift the Asia Cup....Its all about handling the nerves and i hope India goes through considering that India is more under pressure than PAK..... Respect to pak bowlers they rock..Its all about India's batting v/s PAK Bowling.......60-40 IN INDIA'S FAVOUR...

on March 17, 2012, 21:00 GMT

@deepak ur ryt buddy...pak can't chase anything between 230-250...but the same goes for india they can't even defend 290 against a team like bangladesh...:P

Dilbar786
on March 17, 2012, 20:54 GMT

@cricinfo Pakistan are through to final even if we loose tom cuz we beaten bangladesh!!get ur facts right,,

on March 17, 2012, 20:40 GMT

Zia Rehman is right, by tournament rules, Pakistan will reach the final over Bangladesh. There might be a grid lock if all three teams end up with 9 points each. Is that why the net run rate becomes the decider, perhaps (according to rule 4)?

cisco420
on March 17, 2012, 20:39 GMT

BoomBoom mentality has destroyed pakistan's future batsman. New batsman like Umer Akmal and company don't have the patience to play sensible cricket.In these times misbah is the cool mind we need to carry pakistan forward. Asad should be playing as he is a real sensible batsman.

on March 17, 2012, 20:39 GMT

@ AccidentlyOnPurpose, i know they will all have equal points IF that happens which is why i copy pasted the rules in my other post even with equal points b/w teams A/B/C if any one say A has beaten C already in head to head in the tournament , A goes through , look at the 2nd rule. i find it weird that i am the only one who sees this!

abid_anwer10
on March 17, 2012, 20:35 GMT

There will be Pakistan Vs Srilanka in final.....

maz1508
on March 17, 2012, 20:33 GMT

ya we want to see a good cricket match hope we will see ..

crictonite
on March 17, 2012, 20:30 GMT

@Deepak Kumar Ramrakhiani: You're right. Pakistan will have trouble chasing anything past 230. However, if they bat first and put up a similar total, then don't you cry when the Pakistani bowling attack smothers India's lineup.

drdani
on March 17, 2012, 20:22 GMT

@Dannymania-i couldnt understand whether you r suffering from narcissim or split-personality-can u help us out on this pls ?? basically subcontinent ppl r emotional..this same attitude is evident when one of their cricketer is calm or sound..on the whole we just want every cricketer to be 'boom-boom'..i myself LOVE to watch afridi/umar akmal but one thing is for sure-the stability n discipline that misbah provided to pak team was not only wanted but also a rarity to be seen amongst us pakistanis..win or lose, i hope we see a good match between india n pak.

maz1508
on March 17, 2012, 20:22 GMT

Wish you all the best PAKISTAN TEAM.All pakistan's Nation prays are with all of you . Many Many best of luck to MISBAH UL HAQ..Jeet hamari ho gi

on March 17, 2012, 20:18 GMT

RETIRE THE TENDULKARS PLEASE

bMike
on March 17, 2012, 20:15 GMT

Pakistan should rest their key players to play the finals & some players of their under 15 squad should be given an opportunity to play a practise match with this thin minnows tomorrow.

suresh raina to take 5 wickets? i think he is due for one, watch out mr Hafeez

bMike
on March 17, 2012, 19:19 GMT

Flat track bullies were thrashed all over the world and finally they were thrashed on flat tracks as well. This match will be one sided game and Pakistan will easily thrash new minnows

crictalk007
on March 17, 2012, 19:17 GMT

hoping for a quick recovery of yuvraj,iam sick of watching the great Sir "ravindra jadeja" the so called allrounder

OhPakistan
on March 17, 2012, 19:12 GMT

Instead of "a clash between India's batting strength and Pakistan's bowling might", it's going to be "A BATTLE OF NERVES" and the team with mental strength to cope with "PRESSURE-COOKER" situation will prevail.
For sure the Pakistan is comfortably placed with "BONUS POINT" whereas M.S. ( Under COSH ) will have to lift the Indian team after heroics of Bengal Tigers.
*** IMO, V. Kohli & S. Raina are "linchpins"/"match winners" for India and could prove the "ONLY" hurdle else Pakistan will have too many guns.

*** It was disgusting to watch Indian bowlers unable to contain/dismantle B.D. tigers ( that too with 289 on board ) and spoiling/tarnish the historic occasion ( Sachin "The Great"'s 100/100 ). Jawed/Karachi

on March 17, 2012, 19:04 GMT

In the event of teams finishing on equal points, the right to play in the final match or series will be determined as follows:

1*The team with the most number of wins
2*If still equal, the team with the most number of wins over the other team(s) who are equal on points and have the same number of wins
3*If still equal, the team with the highest number of bonus points
4*If still equal, the team with the highest net run rate.

Doesnt Rule # 2 already Guarantee that Pakistan will make the final even if Bangladesh win over SL with a bonus point/and India do same over Pak?

nlambda
on March 17, 2012, 19:03 GMT

What is controversial about Hafeez/Rahim's statement? Our bowlers are indeed mediocre. Sehwag was right when he had called Bangla attack ordinary and now these gentlemen are right when they suggest our attack is ordinary. I mean they could not defend 133 in 16 overs against Bangla batsmen against Pak they will probably leak 160 in 16.

bouncer3459
on March 17, 2012, 19:01 GMT

Wise Man. Wise Man .Wise Man.

on March 17, 2012, 18:56 GMT

good luck pakistan jeet ker ana!

on March 17, 2012, 18:55 GMT

good luck pakistan u can emerge as a winner if u put up a good score!! Inshallah Pakistan jeetay ga

on March 17, 2012, 18:46 GMT

Poor India! they better come up with strong bowling line up otherwise they will be a good example of having a worst bowling attack among all the cricket playing nations!

m3in_h00n_k0un
on March 17, 2012, 18:43 GMT

Misbah is not getting the respect as he should. What he have done to Pakistan Cricket, no one even imagined including me. We always wanted flashy players like Afridi or U.Akmal, if they fire we win, if not, we lose. We can't be dependent on 1 or 2 players only Like WI were depending on Chirs Gayle. Look now what happened to WI. If Misbah wasn't there to lead , Pakistan would have fallen hard on ground. With no Cricket in Pakistan for security reasons, it would have taken alot longer to stand in International Market. i dont know about many others, but personally i slute your Misbah. You have saved Paksitan reputation. Thankyou for being a honest ambassador of Pakistan Cricket.

on March 17, 2012, 18:41 GMT

unless the rulesare changed, even if india and bang win with bonus points , pakistan has defeated bangla in head to head, so pak will go through b4 the run rate comes into play ? am i wrong? cause thats what the rules say on the points table page.

ExplicitPlatinum
on March 17, 2012, 18:16 GMT

To be honest, Misbah and Hafeez are correct here. An Indian bowling attack with no Zaheer, Harbhajan and Yuvraj is completely toothless (Except Irfan Pathan) and we would just have to smash the "Bollywood" bowlers like Rahul Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Praveen Kumar and Ashok Dinda. Pak's batting can't be criticised as much as India's bowling, as Pak has Jamshed, Azhar, U.Akmal and Asad who are the young gunz, to keep the score board ticking. Wahab's inclusion would be interesting, as he mentioned that his training with Sarfraz Nawaz has benefitted him to not disappoint Misbah. Pak's bowling is too superior here with Afridi (He is in good batting form), Ajmal, Hafeez, Gul, Hammad and Cheema/Wahab. The only Indian batsmen who can play Pak well are Dhoni, Ghambir and Raina. Pak can't really lose this.

on March 17, 2012, 18:10 GMT

yahhhhhhh v will winnnnn coz this game iz ourzzz

Dannymania
on March 17, 2012, 18:09 GMT

misbah most probably suffers from hypothyroidism.but it cannot be primary as his abnormal facial features suggest,it has to be secondary to something of a pituitary origin.may be enough thyroid stimulating hormone isnt being produced there.a small tumor on the anterior lobe will explain all the signs that he shows.SO,he isnt anything special,lesser thyroid makes him what he is.he should take 10mg of carbimazole each day and get an MRI of his head to check for tumors.This is the only way he can be a better player and a better captain.why not do it if it has a chance of helping?Misbah,you're welcome,for this free consult.

Mel-waas
on March 17, 2012, 18:05 GMT

Pakistan player have always struggled in media interviews before and after the match. Because English is not there Language. Look if you can't speak English fluently please don't. Answer every questions in Urdu or Pushto. Show some national pride. I was very impressed With Shakib who spoke in Bengali to thank his fans although his English is far better than Misbah's.

Pakistan player have always struggled in media interviews before and after the match. Because English is not there Language. Look if you can't speak English fluently please don't. Answer every questions in Urdu or Pushto. Show some national pride. I was very impressed With Shakib who spoke in Bengali to thank his fans although his English is far better than Misbah's.

Dannymania
on March 17, 2012, 18:09 GMT

misbah most probably suffers from hypothyroidism.but it cannot be primary as his abnormal facial features suggest,it has to be secondary to something of a pituitary origin.may be enough thyroid stimulating hormone isnt being produced there.a small tumor on the anterior lobe will explain all the signs that he shows.SO,he isnt anything special,lesser thyroid makes him what he is.he should take 10mg of carbimazole each day and get an MRI of his head to check for tumors.This is the only way he can be a better player and a better captain.why not do it if it has a chance of helping?Misbah,you're welcome,for this free consult.

on March 17, 2012, 18:10 GMT

yahhhhhhh v will winnnnn coz this game iz ourzzz

ExplicitPlatinum
on March 17, 2012, 18:16 GMT

To be honest, Misbah and Hafeez are correct here. An Indian bowling attack with no Zaheer, Harbhajan and Yuvraj is completely toothless (Except Irfan Pathan) and we would just have to smash the "Bollywood" bowlers like Rahul Sharma, Vinay Kumar, Praveen Kumar and Ashok Dinda. Pak's batting can't be criticised as much as India's bowling, as Pak has Jamshed, Azhar, U.Akmal and Asad who are the young gunz, to keep the score board ticking. Wahab's inclusion would be interesting, as he mentioned that his training with Sarfraz Nawaz has benefitted him to not disappoint Misbah. Pak's bowling is too superior here with Afridi (He is in good batting form), Ajmal, Hafeez, Gul, Hammad and Cheema/Wahab. The only Indian batsmen who can play Pak well are Dhoni, Ghambir and Raina. Pak can't really lose this.

on March 17, 2012, 18:41 GMT

unless the rulesare changed, even if india and bang win with bonus points , pakistan has defeated bangla in head to head, so pak will go through b4 the run rate comes into play ? am i wrong? cause thats what the rules say on the points table page.

m3in_h00n_k0un
on March 17, 2012, 18:43 GMT

Misbah is not getting the respect as he should. What he have done to Pakistan Cricket, no one even imagined including me. We always wanted flashy players like Afridi or U.Akmal, if they fire we win, if not, we lose. We can't be dependent on 1 or 2 players only Like WI were depending on Chirs Gayle. Look now what happened to WI. If Misbah wasn't there to lead , Pakistan would have fallen hard on ground. With no Cricket in Pakistan for security reasons, it would have taken alot longer to stand in International Market. i dont know about many others, but personally i slute your Misbah. You have saved Paksitan reputation. Thankyou for being a honest ambassador of Pakistan Cricket.

on March 17, 2012, 18:46 GMT

Poor India! they better come up with strong bowling line up otherwise they will be a good example of having a worst bowling attack among all the cricket playing nations!

on March 17, 2012, 18:55 GMT

good luck pakistan u can emerge as a winner if u put up a good score!! Inshallah Pakistan jeetay ga